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Saturday, February 15, 2014

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire fromThe Captive Reader and Linda from Silly Little Mischiefthat encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

I was home sick a few days this week, so was able to finish one book! I read Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg. A very quick read, but enjoyable. I am looking forward to starting The Whole Golden World by Kristina Riggle next.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Do you belong to a book club??? Book Clubs are the best. They give you an opportunity to discover new authors and books you would not have otherwise read. Add in the opportunity to talk about books and life with people you enjoy, what could be better??? I have been working to simplify my life in 2014 by reducing the number of things I am involved in, the Books and Babble book club will always remain!

In simplifying my life, I am also looking at reducing expenses. Book club is very inexpensive entertainment. Once a year, I host the club so I do incur expenses that month to cook for the group. Otherwise, the rest of the year is nearly free! Once the reading schedule it out, I reserve as many books as I can at the library. It is rare that I actually purchase a book. As for entertainment, I could pay to go to a movie or curl up and read a book for free! The obvious answer for me is to read with a nice cup of tea. Enjoying the simple things in life.

I am sharing with you our reading schedule for 2014 in hopes that you too will discover a book you would not have picked up otherwise!!

January

The Forgotten Garden – Kate Morton

February

Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg – 240 pages

March

Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou, Autobiography – 224 pages

April

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed – 315 pages

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Format: Advance Copy provided as part of First Look Program from Worthy Publishing

About the Book: (from publisher)

Ben used to be a cardiothoracic surgeon before he suddenly abandoned his career and became a janitor at a retirement facility. Now, other than dealing with minor problems such as an unhealthy obsession with prime numbers, an inept boss, and a feud between two cantankerous retirees, he lives a relatively stress-free life. There is even hope for romance when an attractive podiatrist shows an interest in him.

But it is not long before his past catches up with him and his carefully protected world begins to unravel. He is forced to face deep issues about life, love, and God head-on, rather than hide behind his cleaning cart.

About the Author:

Author and practicing eye surgeon, Dr. Bekendam is happily married and the proud father of two boys. Proceeds from his writing go to help fund his activities in developing countries as he works to bring cataract surgery to the needlessly blind. Prime of Life is his debut novel.

My Review: I received Prime of Life to review as part of the First Look Program at Worthy Publishing. Prime of Life is a enjoyable read with very memorable characters. The setting of this story is in California at the Heritage Garden retirement home. Being that my elderly father in law lives with us in our home, the characters and their quirks really hit home for me. I could related to many of the characters and found them very endearing. Knowing many people on the autism spectrum, I found the main character, Ben very interesting with his various quirks related to OCD type behaviors and thoughts.

The story moves along at a nice pace and has a few turns through out the story. Once you connect with the characters, it is hard to put the book down. You want to know what they will do next and what their fate will be. Prime of Life is a story of second chances. It reminds the reader how sometimes even when we are trying to avoid our past, there is a power higher than us that has a plan for us. It is up to us to embrace that the plan and follow the path to our future or life purpose.

My Rating: 4 – I would recommend Prime of Life by P. D. Bekendam. The characters are humorous, endearing and stay with you after reading the book. Prime of Life is a humorous, enjoyable read. A nice way to spend a Minnesota winter evening, a very heartwarming story.